Question

Simple collision theory based on hard sphere model

Answer 1

A hard‐sphere model for reactive collisions is derived which is based on considerations of the energy and momentum of the reactants and the products. The conservation of energy and momentum equations completely determine the collision dynamics once the initial and final relative energies and reduced masses are specified. It is found that all collisions cannot be reactive and simultaneously satisfy the conservation equations. The differential and total reactive cross sections are given analytically. There is always a forward cone (in the center of mass) in which no products are found. The model is compared with the usual hardsphere model which requires a minimum energy component along the line of centers for reaction.